Souderton School Budget Calls For 21.5 Mills More

May 12, 1987|by DAN FRICKER, The Morning Call

Residents of Souderton Area School District whose properties are assessed at the district average of $7,500 would pay $161.25 more in real estate taxes next year under a $22.1-million preliminary budget the School Board adopted last night.

The budget increases the district real estate tax 21.5 mills, from 127.9 to 149.4 mills, with the result that the tax on a property carrying the average assessment will rise from $957.25 to $1,120.50.

The preliminary approval occurred without comment from board members or the public. Final adoption is scheduled for June 22.

District Business Manager Robert A. Salanik said after the meeting that the original proposal was to increase the tax 26.5 mills but that the tax increase was trimmed to 21.5 mills by cutting $440,000 in proposed expenditures. Despite the cuts, Salanik said the tax increase will be the largest since he became business manager three years ago.

Salanik said most of the tax rise will be used to pay increases in teacher salaries and benefits resulting from a new contract signed last fall. The added revenue will also pay for the debt service for a $15-million high school renovation and expansion set to begin in August.

In other business, the board demographics committee announced that it will present a report at the May 20 meeting on enrollment projections over the next 10 years, how they will affect the district schools and whether new schools or additions should be built.

The committee compiled the report using findings from a district enrollment study completed in February by the Pennsylvania Economy League, district enrollment statistics and projections from the state Department of Education, Superintendent Dr. Royden S. Price said.